Display apparatus, print control method, and program

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus displays an identification information element corresponding to an image currently displayed on a display unit in accordance with a first instruction from a user. In accordance with a second instruction from the user, the display apparatus causes a printing apparatus to perform printing based on an image data element corresponding to an identification information element selected by the user from among one or more identification information elements being displayed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/768,968, filed on Feb. 15, 2013, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/871,832, filed on Oct. 12, 2007,which claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-338678,filed Dec. 15, 2006, all of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus that displays animage, a method for controlling printing of an image, and a program forcontrolling printing of an image.

Description of the Related Art

A system that prints a document used in a conference (e.g., presentationmaterial) or transmits electronic data of the document by email inaccordance with a request of a participant is known (see, for example,Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-369167).

In this system, when a participant wants to obtain a slide displayed ona display apparatus as a piece of presentation material, the participantoperates a portable terminal and informs a server of a request to printa currently displayed slide. In response to the request, the serveridentifies which participants are making requests and what material andwhich pages are being requested and stores information about them. Whenthe presentation is completed, the server transmits electronic data ofthe slide desired by the participant to a printer based on the storedinformation. Then, the slide is printed by the printer.

Depending on the content of presentation material or the membershipstatus of a participant in a conference, it may be impossible todistribute all pages of the presentation material to all theparticipants. For example, if presentation material contains a pageincluding confidential information, the page may be permitted to beviewed by participants as part of an announcement, but distribution ofthe page in printed form may be restricted.

Thus, it is difficult for a participant to identify which pages ofpresentation material are permitted to be taken away in printed form andwhich pages are not.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a technique that enables specifying ofone or more printable images from among a plurality of imagessequentially displayed on a display apparatus and enables furtherspecifying of an image to be actually printed from among the printableimages.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a display apparatusincludes a display unit, an identification-information displaying unit,and a print control unit. The display unit is configured to display animage. The identification-information displaying unit is configured to,in accordance with a first instruction from a user, display anidentification information element identifying an image data elementcorresponding to an image currently displayed on the display unit. Theprint control unit is configured to, in accordance with a secondinstruction from the user, cause a printing apparatus to performprinting based on an image data element corresponding to anidentification information element selected by the user from among oneor more identification information elements being displayed by theidentification-information displaying unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a displayapparatus includes a display unit, a list displaying unit, and a printcontrol unit. The display unit is configured to display an image. Thelist displaying unit is configured to, in accordance with a firstinstruction from a user, display a list of one or more image dataelements including an image data element corresponding to an imagecurrently displayed on the display unit. The print control unit isconfigured to, in accordance with a second instruction from the user,cause a printing apparatus to perform printing based on an image dataelement selected by the user from the list being displayed by the listdisplaying unit.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a printcontrol method for controlling printing of an image displayable on adisplay apparatus for use in the display apparatus includes causing thedisplay apparatus to, in accordance with a first instruction from auser, display an identification information element identifying an imagedata element corresponding to an image currently displayed on thedisplay unit and causing a printing apparatus to, in accordance with asecond instruction from the user, perform printing based on an imagedata element corresponding to an identification information elementselected by the user from among one or more identification informationelements being displayed by the identification-information displayingunit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a print controlmethod for controlling printing of an image displayable on a displayapparatus for use in the display apparatus includes causing the displayapparatus to, in accordance with a first instruction from a user,display a list of one or more image data elements including an imagedata element corresponding to an image currently displayed on thedisplay unit and causing a printing apparatus to, in accordance with asecond instruction from the user, perform printing based on an imagedata element selected by the user from the list being displayed by thelist displaying unit.

Not all features of the present invention are described in this summary.The present invention encompasses other claims and any combination offeatures of the claims.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings, in which like reference characters designate the sameor similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the structure of a system to which thepresent invention can be suitably applied.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware configuration of an image formingapparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates a hardware configuration of a display apparatus.

FIG. 5 illustrates a screen layout displayed on the display apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates a storing process performed bythe display apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart that illustrates a printing process performed bythe display apparatus.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a screen that allows a user to specifythe number of copies to be printed.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a preview screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart that illustrates an end processing processperformed by the display apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a screen that allows a user to selectan end mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart that illustrates another storing processperformed by the display apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart that illustrates a process performed in stepS1203 shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart that illustrates another storing processperformed by the display apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart that illustrates a process performed in stepS1403 shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a variation of a screen layout displayed on thedisplay apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary Embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be notedthat the embodiments below do not limit the present invention set forthin the claims.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a structure of a system to which the present invention canbe suitably applied. A display apparatus 100 displays an image based onof a control signal from an information processing apparatus 110 or froma central processing unit (CPU) of the display apparatus 100. Varioustypes of displays, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or acathode-ray tube (CRT), can be used in an image display portion in thedisplay apparatus 100. Any display method can be used.

The information processing apparatus 110 generates image data to bedisplayed on the display apparatus 100. The information processingapparatus 110 transmits the image data to the display apparatus 100 andalso transmits a control signal that controls displaying of the imagedata to the display apparatus 100. Examples of the informationprocessing apparatus 110 include a personal computer and a workstation.

A printing apparatus 120 prints an image on a sheet based on image datafrom the display apparatus 100 in accordance with a control signal fromthe display apparatus 100. Examples of the printing apparatus 120include a laser beam printer and an ink jet printer.

A communication medium 101 connects the display apparatus 100 and theinformation processing apparatus 110 together. Examples of thecommunication medium 101 include a network, a wireless local-areanetwork (LAN), and a universal serial bus (USB). A communication medium102 connects the display apparatus 100 and the printing apparatus 120together. Examples of the communication medium 102 include a network, awireless LAN, and a USB. The communication medium 101 and thecommunication medium 102 may be the same.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware configuration of the image formingapparatus 110. The information processing apparatus 110 includes a CPU201, a memory 202, an input unit 203, a network interface (I/F) 204, avideo I/F 205, and a communication bus 206. The information processingapparatus 110 may include a different display apparatus from the displayapparatus 100.

The CPU 201 controls operation of the information processing apparatus110. The memory 202 stores data for use in the CPU 201. The input unit203 is used by a user to input various kinds of information. Examples ofthe input unit 203 include a keyboard, a mouse, and a tablet.

The network I/F 204 connects the information processing apparatus 110 toa network and allows the information processing apparatus 110 toexchange data over the network. The video I/F 205 transmits a controlsignal for controlling the display apparatus 100 and image data to bedisplayed on the display apparatus 100 to the display apparatus 100. Thecommunication bus 206 connects the CPU 201, the memory 202, the inputunit 203, the network I/F 204, and the video I/F 205 together.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus120. The printing apparatus 120 includes a CPU 301, a memory 302, adisplay unit 303, a network I/F 304, an input-output I/F 305, a printunit 306, and a communication bus 307.

The CPU 301 controls operation of the printing apparatus 120.Additionally, the CPU 301 converts externally input image data into arecord signal interpretable by the print unit 306. The memory 302 storesdata for use in the CPU 301. The display unit 303 displays informationindicating the progress of printing and information indicating thestatus of the printing apparatus 120.

The network I/F 304 connects the printing apparatus 120 to a network andallows the printing apparatus 120 to exchange data over the network. Theinput-output I/F 305 connects the printing apparatus 120 and an externaldevice together and allows the printing apparatus 120 to exchangeinformation with the external device. The print unit 306 prints an imageon a sheet in accordance with a record signal. The print unit 306 canuse various print methods, such as ink-jet, laser-beam, ordye-sublimation. Any print method can be used. The communication bus 307connects the CPU 301, the memory 302, the display unit 303, the networkI/F 304, the input-output I/F 305, and the print unit 306.

FIG. 4 illustrates a hardware configuration of the display apparatus100. The display apparatus 100 includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, a touchpanel 403, a display unit 404, a network I/F 405, an input-output I/F406, and a communication bus 407.

The CPU 401 controls operation of the display apparatus 100. The memory402 stores data for use in the CPU 401. The touch panel 403 is attachedon the surface of the display unit 404 and receives entry of data andinstructions from a user. The display unit 404 displays an image basedon image data. The image data is transmitted from the informationprocessing apparatus 110, and is received by the display apparatus 100via the network I/F 405 or the input-output I/F 406.

The network I/F 405 connects the display apparatus 100 to a network andallows the display apparatus 100 to exchange information over thenetwork. The input-output I/F 406 connects the display apparatus 100 andan external device together and allows the display apparatus 100 toexchange information with the external device. The communication bus 407connects the CPU 401, the memory 402, the touch panel 403, the displayunit 404, the network I/F 405, and the input-output I/F 406 together.

FIG. 5 illustrates a screen layout displayed on the display apparatus100. The display apparatus 100 can perform overlay display, whichdisplays images corresponding to respective image data elements inaccordance with respective controls. A main display area 501, athumbnail-image display area 502, and buttons 503 to 510 are arranged ona screen 500.

An image based on image data received from the information processingapparatus 110 is displayed in the main display area 501 in accordancewith an instruction from the information processing apparatus 110. Whenthe image based on the image data is presentation material, the userbasically views the main display area.

When the user presses the button 504 (“Next”), the display apparatus 100issues a request of image data corresponding to a next page to theinformation processing apparatus 110. In response to the request, theinformation processing apparatus 110 transmits the image data for thenext page to the display apparatus 100. When the user presses the button503 (“Previous”), the display apparatus 100 issues a request of imagedata corresponding to a previous page to the information processingapparatus 110. In response to the request, the information processingapparatus 110 transmits the image data for the previous page to thedisplay apparatus 100. The buttons 503 and 504 function in an auxiliarymanner in a presentation, so both buttons may be omitted.

When the user presses the button 505 (“Store”), the display apparatus100 stores image data corresponding to an image currently displayed inthe main display area 501 in a first storage region in the memory 402.As a result, a thumbnail image as identification information foridentifying stored image data is added to and thus displayed in thethumbnail-image display area 502. For example, when a person making apresentation determines that a currently displayed page is allowed to beprinted, the person presses the button 505. Therefore, a thumbnail imageindicating a printable page is displayed in the thumbnail-image displayarea 502.

A thumbnail image 511 as identification information for identifyingstored image data and a check box 512 used for selection of thethumbnail image 511 are displayed in the thumbnail-image display area502. That is, in the thumbnail-image display area 502, a list of one ormore thumbnail images corresponding to respective stored image dataelements and their associated check boxes is displayed. When the userchecks the check box 512, the thumbnail image 511 corresponding to thecheck box 512 is changed to a selected state. Then, when the userunchecks the check box 512, the thumbnail image 511 returns to adeselected state. In a selected state, a check mark is displayed in thecheck box. In an example illustrated in FIG. 5, a thumbnail imagecorresponding to page 2 and a thumbnail image corresponding to page 7are in a selected state.

When the user presses the button 507 (“Select All”), all thumbnailimages in the thumbnail-image display area 502 become selected, and allcheck boxes 512 display check marks. When the user presses the button508 (“Deselect”), one or more currently selected thumbnail images arechanged to a deselected state, and all displayed check marks disappear.

When the user presses the button 509 (“Delete”), a currently selectedthumbnail image is removed from the thumbnail-image display area 502,and image data corresponding to the thumbnail image is deleted from thefirst storage region in the memory 402. In addition, thumbnail-imagedata corresponding to the thumbnail image is deleted from a secondstorage region. At this time, a message asking the user whether deletionis desired may be shown before the image data is actually deleted.Displaying the message is controlled by the CPU 401.

When the user presses the button 510 (“Print”), image data correspondingto one or more currently selected thumbnail images becomes subjected toa printing process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates a first storing process performedby the display apparatus 100. The first storing process is performed bythe CPU 401 executing a program based on this flowchart.

In step S601, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button505 to store a displayed image has been pressed. When pressing of thebutton 505 is determined (YES in step S601), flow proceeds to step S602.

In step S602, the display apparatus 100 disables the acceptance ofselection from the other buttons displayed on the screen 500 and of acommand for changing a displayed page from the information processingapparatus 110. In step S603, the display apparatus 100 stores image datacorresponding to an image currently displayed in the main display area501 in the first storage region in the memory 402. At this time, thedisplay apparatus 100 encrypts the image data and stores the encryptedimage data in the memory 402.

In step S604, the display apparatus 100 generates thumbnail-image datareduced from a displayed image based on the image data stored in stepS603 and stores the thumbnail-image data in the second storage region inthe memory 402. Then, a thumbnail image based on the thumbnail-imagedata is displayed in the thumbnail-image display area 502.

In step S605, the display apparatus 100 resumes the acceptance of(enables) selection from the other buttons displayed on the screen 500and of a command for changing a displayed image from the informationprocessing apparatus 110. Processing then returns to step S601.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart that illustrates a printing process performed bythe display apparatus 100. The printing process is performed by the CPU401 executing a program based on this flowchart.

In step S701, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button510 to print one or more selected images has been pressed. When pressingof the button 510 is determined (YES in step S701), flow proceeds tostep S702.

In step S702, the display apparatus 100 determines whether imagedisplaying using the main display area 501 is being performed. If it isdetermined that image displaying using the main display area 501 isbeing performed (YES in step S702), flow proceeds to step S703; if not(NO in step S702), flow proceeds to step S705.

In step S703, the display apparatus 100 sets the number of copies to beprinted for each of one or more selected thumbnail images at one. Instep S704, the display apparatus 100 transmits, to the printingapparatus 120, image data corresponding to each of the selectedthumbnail images together with information indicating the set number ofcopies (hereinafter referred to as “number information”). If a pluralityof thumbnail images is selected, the number information and the imagedata are transmitted to the printing apparatus 120 for each of thethumbnail images. If the image data is in a form interpretable by theprinting apparatus 120, the display apparatus 100 may transmit the imagedata to the printing apparatus 120 without converting it. Alternatively,after the display apparatus 100 converts the image data into a forminterpretable by the printing apparatus 120, the display apparatus 100may transmit the converted image data to the printing apparatus 120.Processing then returns to step S701.

In step S705, the display apparatus 100 displays a screen used forspecifying the number of copies to be printed and accepts specifying ofthe number of copies to be printed for each of one or more selectedthumbnail images.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a screen used for specifying the numberof copies to be printed. A list of selected thumbnail images isdisplayed on a screen 800. A thumbnail image 801 is provided with abutton 803 and a display area 802 displaying the number of copies to beprinted. By pressing of the button 803 by the user, the number of copiesto be printed is incremented or decremented. By default, the number ofcopies to be printed for each thumbnail image is one. In an exampleillustrated in FIG. 8, the number of copies to be printed for thumbnailimages of pages 7 and 8 is five, and that of the remaining pages is one.

In step S706, the display apparatus 100 determines whether either one ofbuttons 804 and 805 has been pressed. If pressing of either button isdetermined (YES in step S706), flow proceeds to step S707. In step S707,the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button 804 (“OK”) hasbeen pressed. If pressing of the OK button 804 is determined (YES instep S707), flow proceeds to step S708. If, in step S707, pressing ofthe button 805 (“Cancel”) is determined (NO in step S707), flow returnsto step S701 to cancel the printing process.

In step S708, the display apparatus 100 transmits, to the printingapparatus 120, image data corresponding to a selected thumbnail imagetogether with number information indicating the number of copies to beprinted specified on the screen 800. If a plurality of thumbnail imagesis selected, the number information and the image data are transmittedto the printing apparatus 120 for each of the thumbnail images. If theimage data is in a form interpretable by the printing apparatus 120, thedisplay apparatus 100 may transmit the image data to the printingapparatus 120 without converting it. Alternatively, after the displayapparatus 100 converts the image data into a form interpretable by theprinting apparatus 120, the display apparatus 100 may transmit theconverted image data to the printing apparatus 120.

In step S708, the display apparatus 100 sequentially displays previewsof image data elements being printed. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of apreview screen.

Image data being printed is previewed on the main display area 501. Athumbnail image corresponding to the currently previewed image data ishighlighted on the thumbnail-image display area 502. Highlighting can beperformed by, for example, use of a different color for a frame.Although not illustrated, a numerical value that indicates the totalnumber of image data elements to be printed or that indicates theordinal position of a currently previewed image data element in theimage data elements may be displayed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart that illustrates an end processing processperformed by the display apparatus 100. The end processing process isperformed by the CPU 401 executing a program based on this flowchart.

In step S1001, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button506 (“End”) has been pressed. If pressing of the button 506 isdetermined (YES in step S1001), flow proceeds to step S1002.

In step S1002, the display apparatus 100 displays a screen that promptsthe user to select an end mode. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of such ascreen for prompting the user to select the end mode. A screen 1100 issuperimposed on the screen 500. Buttons 1101 to 1103 are displayed onthe screen 1100. The button 1101 is a button used for selecting asecurity mode. The button 1102 is a button used for selecting a reusemode.

In step S1003, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button1101 (“Security Mode”) has been pressed. If pressing of the button 1101is determined (YES in step S1003), flow proceeds to step S1004; if not(NO in step S1003), flow proceeds to step S1005.

In step S1004, the display apparatus 100 deletes all image data storedin the storage region in the memory 402. For example, if the displayapparatus 100 is temporarily used for a presentation, the security modeis selected to prevent a piece of material used in the presentation frombeing printed in the future. End processing then ends.

In step S1005, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button1102 (“Reuse Mode”) has been pressed. If it is determined that thebutton 1102 has not been pressed (NO in step S1005), flow proceeds tostep S1006. If pressing of the button 1102 is determined (YES in stepS1005), the display apparatus 100 completes the end processing processwithout deleting the image data stored in the storage region in thememory 402. For example, if the image data stored in this time needs tobe printed in the future, the reuse mode is selected.

In step S1006, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button1103 has been pressed. If pressing of the button 1103 is determined (YESin step S1006), flow proceeds to step S1007. If it is determined thatthe button 1103 has not been pressed (NO in step S1006), which meansthat none of the buttons 1101 to 1103 has been pressed, flow returns tostep S1003.

In step S1107, the display apparatus 100 returns the content displayedon the display unit 404 to a state prior to displaying the screen 1100.

In the foregoing description, the button 505 is used for specifying animage permitted to be printed. However, the button 505 may be replacedwith a button used for specifying an image forbidden to be printed. Inthis case, an image for which the button 505 has not been pressed isspecified as a printable image. That is, image data corresponding to animage for which the button 505 has not been pressed is stored in thefirst storage region in the memory 402. Additionally, a thumbnail imagecorresponding to the image for which the button 505 has not been pressedis added to and thus displayed in the thumbnail-image display area 502.

As described above, from among a plurality of images sequentiallydisplayed by the display apparatus, one or more printable images can bespecified and, from among the printable images, an image to be actuallyprinted can be further specified.

Displaying a list of thumbnail images and allowing the user to select animage to be printed enables printing of an image that was displayed.This can reduce the occurrence of leakage of secret informationresulting from printed material taken away.

A participant in a conference or other scenes can take a part ofpresentation material away as a printed form.

It is not necessary to prepare a printed form of material in advance. Itis possible to print only a part of the material desired by the user.This can avoid printing of unnecessary portions. As a result, savings inpaper resources can be facilitated.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, image data for an image to be printed is storedin the memory 402 in the display apparatus 100. The image data istransmitted from the display apparatus 100 to the printing apparatus120, and the image based on the image data is printed.

However, the resolution of image data suitable for being displayed onthe display apparatus 100 may often be different from the resolution ofimage data suitable for being printed by the printing apparatus 120. Insuch a case, image data having a higher resolution suitable for printingby the printing apparatus 120 can be generated. According to the secondembodiment, image data suitable for being printed (hereinafter referredto as “print image data”) is generated by the information processingapparatus 110.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart that illustrates a second storing processperformed by the display apparatus 100. The second storing process isperformed by the CPU 401 executing a program based on this flowchart.

In step S1201, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button505 for storing an image has been pressed. When pressing of the button505 is determined (YES in step S1201), flow proceeds to step S1202.

In step S1202, the display apparatus 100 disables the acceptance ofselection from the other buttons displayed on the screen 500 and of acommand for changing a displayed page from the information processingapparatus 110. In step S1203, the display apparatus 100 stores imagedata corresponding to an image currently displayed in the main displayarea 501 in the first storage region in the memory 402. The details willbe described below with reference to FIG. 13.

In step S1204, the display apparatus 100 displays a thumbnail imagebased on thumbnail-image data generated in step S1203 on thethumbnail-image display area 502.

In step S1205, the display apparatus 100 resumes the acceptance ofselection from the other buttons displayed on the screen 500 and of acommand for changing a displayed image from the information processingapparatus 110.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart that illustrates a process performed in stepS1203 shown in FIG. 12. This process is performed by the CPU 401executing a program based on this flowchart.

In step S1301, the display apparatus 100 issues a request for printimage data to the information processing apparatus 110. In step S1302,the display apparatus 100 generates thumbnail-image data based on imagedata corresponding to an image currently displayed in the main displayarea 501 and stores the thumbnail-image data in the second storageregion in the memory 402.

In step S1303, the display apparatus 100 receives the print image datafrom the information processing apparatus 110 and stores the print imagedata in the first storage region in the memory 402. The displayapparatus 100 adds pointer information indicating print image data tothe image data.

The information processing apparatus 110 performs the following steps.First, in step S1304, the information processing apparatus 110 receivesa request for the print image data from the display apparatus 100.

In step S1305, the information processing apparatus 110 converts datacorresponding to a page displayed on the display apparatus 100 intoimage data. In step S1306, the information processing apparatus 110converts the resolution of the image data into a resolution suitable forprinting (e.g., 600 dpi, which is a typical resolution in a generalprinting apparatus). In step S1307, the information processing apparatus110 generates print image data based on the image data whose resolutionhas been converted and transmits the print image data to the displayapparatus 100.

When the display apparatus 100 performs the printing process based onthe flowchart of FIG. 7, the print image data is transmitted to theprinting apparatus 120. At this time, the information processingapparatus 110 retrieves pointer information from image datacorresponding to a selected thumbnail image and transmits print imagedata indicated by the pointer information to the printing apparatus 120.

Third Embodiment

In the second embodiment, thumbnail-image data is independentlygenerated and stored. According to the third embodiment, the displayapparatus 100 displays a thumbnail image based on print image data.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart that illustrates a third storing processperformed by the display apparatus 100. The third storing process isperformed by the CPU 401 executing a program based on this flowchart.

In step S1401, the display apparatus 100 determines whether the button505 for storing an image has been pressed. When pressing of the button505 is determined (YES in step S1401), flow proceeds to step S1402.

In step S1402, the display apparatus 100 disables the acceptance ofselection from the other buttons displayed on the screen 500 and of acommand for changing a displayed page from the information processingapparatus 110.

In step S1403, the display apparatus 100 stores print image datacorresponding to an image currently displayed in the main display area501 in the first storage region in the memory 402. The details will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 15.

In step S1404, the display apparatus 100 generates a thumbnail image bydown-sampling the print image data. In step S1405, the thumbnail imageis displayed in the thumbnail-image display area 502.

In step S1406, the display apparatus 100 resumes the acceptance ofselection from the other buttons displayed on the screen 500 and of acommand for changing a displayed image from the information processingapparatus 110.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart that illustrates a process performed in stepS1403 shown in FIG. 14. This process is performed by the CPU 401executing a program based on this flowchart.

In step S1501, the display apparatus 100 issues a request for printimage data to the information processing apparatus 110. In step S1502,the display apparatus 100 receives print image data from the informationprocessing apparatus 110 and stores the print image data in the firststorage region in the memory 402.

The information processing apparatus 110 performs the following steps.First, in step S1503, the information processing apparatus 110 receivesa request for the print image data from the display apparatus 100.

In step S1504, the information processing apparatus 110 converts datacorresponding to a page displayed on the display apparatus 100 intoimage data. In step S1505, the information processing apparatus 110converts the resolution of the image data into a resolution suitable forprinting (e.g., 600 dpi, which is a typical resolution in a generalprinting apparatus). In step S1506, the information processing apparatus110 generates print image data based on the image data whose resolutionhas been converted and transmits the print image data to the displayapparatus 100.

Fourth Embodiment

In an example illustrated in FIG. 5, even when the presentation materialis displayed in the main display area 501, the thumbnail-image displayarea 502 and the buttons 503 to 510 are clearly displayed.

FIG. 16 illustrates a variation of the screen layout illustrated FIG. 5.In an example illustrated in FIG. 16, the brightness of display of thethumbnail-image display area 502 and the buttons 503 to 510 is darkerthan normal. While the user does not want to store or print image data,the intensity of portions other than the main display area 501 isreduced to enhance legibility of material displayed in the main displayarea 501. After the completion of the presentation, the brightness ofthe portions other than the main display area 501 returns to normal. Aswitch for switching control of the brightness as described abovebetween automatic and manual operations may be provided as a hard key orsoft key.

Fifth Embodiment

The present invention can also be achieved by supplying a program ofsoftware that performs functions of at least one of the foregoingembodiments from directly or remotely to a system or an apparatus andcausing a computer of the system or the apparatus to read and executethe supplied program. In this case, the program may be replaced with anyother form as long as it has the functions of the program.

Therefore, program code itself installable in a computer to enable thecomputer to perform the functional processing of an aspect of thepresent invention can realize the present invention. In this case, theprogram can have any form, such as object code, a program executable byan interpreter, and script data suppliable to an operating system (OS),as long as it has the functions of the program.

Various media can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program.Examples of the storage medium include, but are not limited to, a floppydisk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk (MO), acompact-disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk recordable(CD-R), a CD-Rewritable (CD-RW), magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memorycard, a ROM, and a digital versatile disk (DVD), such as a DVD-ROM and aDVD-R.

One example of a method for supplying the program is to cause a user toaccess a website on the Internet using a browser of a client computerand to download a program into a storage medium (e.g., a hard disk). Inthis case, a computer program itself according to an aspect of thepresent invention or a compressed file of the program with an automaticinstaller can be downloaded.

Moreover, program code constituting a program according to an aspect ofthe present invention may be divided into a plurality of files and eachfile may be downloaded from different websites.

A program according to an aspect of the present invention may bedistributed to users through storage media, such as CD-ROMs, that storeits encrypted program. In this case, a user who satisfies apredetermined condition can download information regarding a decryptionkey from a website over the Internet, and the encrypted program can beinstalled in a computer in a form that allows the encrypted program tobe executed using the key information.

A form other than executing a read program and realizing the functionsof at least one of the embodiments may be used. For example, performingactual processing in part or in entirety by an operating system (OS)running on a computer in accordance with instructions of the program canrealize the functions of at least one of the embodiments describedabove.

Further, a program read from a storage medium may be written on a memoryincluded in a function expansion board inserted into a computer or in afunction expansion unit connected to the computer. In this case, afterthat, a CPU included in the feature expansion board or the featureexpansion unit can perform actual processing in part or in entirety inaccordance with instructions of the program, for realizing the functionsof at least one of the embodiments described above.

As previously described, a printable image and an image to be actuallyprinted can be independently specified. Therefore, an image permitted tobe printed can be restricted while at the same time printing of adesired image can be instructed.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present inventionis not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display system comprising: a display unitconfigured to display a screen including a first display region in whicha plurality of images are displayed one by one and a second displayregion in which a plurality of preview images, of a plurality of imagesselected by a user from among the plurality of images which have beendisplayed in the first display region, are arranged; and a print controlunit configured to control a printing unit to perform printing based onimage data corresponding to at least one image selected by a user fromamong the plurality of preview images arranged in the second displayregion.
 2. The display system according to claim 1, wherein at least oneof the plurality of preview images displayed in the second displayregion corresponds to one of the plurality of images which was displayedin the first display region and is not presently displayed in the firstdisplay region.
 3. The display system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a generation unit configured to generate a preview image tobe displayed in the second display region based on the image displayedin the first display region.
 4. The display system according to claim 3,wherein, when a button, displayed by the display unit, is selected by auser while an image is displayed in the first display region, thegeneration unit is configured to generate the preview imagecorresponding to the image displayed in the first display region.
 5. Thedisplay system according to claim 1, wherein the image data, whichcorresponds to at least one image selected by a user from among theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region,further corresponds to the image displayed in the first display region.6. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the image data,which corresponds to at least one image selected by a user from amongthe plurality of preview images arranged in the second display region,further corresponds to the at least one image arranged in the seconddisplay region.
 7. The display system according to claim 1, furthercomprising an all-selection unit configured to select all of theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 8. The display systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising an all-deselection unitconfigured to deselect all of images selected by the user from among theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 9. The display systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a selection-deselection unitconfigured to perform selection and deselection of each image from amongthe plurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 10. The display systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a reception unit configured toexternally receive image data corresponding to an image to be displayedin the first display region, in accordance with an operation of a user.11. The display system according to claim 1, wherein an image, which isselected by a user from among the plurality of images displayed in thefirst display region, is a printable image which is allowed to beprinted, and an image, which is not selected by a user from among theplurality of images displayed in the first display region, is anon-printable image which is not allowed to be printed.
 12. A controlmethod comprising: displaying a screen including a first display regionin which a plurality of images are displayed one by one and a seconddisplay region in which a plurality of preview images, of a plurality ofimages selected by a user from among the plurality of images which havebeen displayed in the first display region, are arranged; andcontrolling to perform printing based on image data corresponding to atleast one image selected by a user from among the plurality of previewimages arranged in the second display region.
 13. The control methodaccording to claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of previewimages displayed in the second display region corresponds to one of theplurality of images which was displayed in the first display region andis not presently displayed in the first display region.
 14. The controlmethod according to claim 12, further comprising generating a previewimage to be displayed in the second display region based on the imagedisplayed in the first display region.
 15. The control method accordingto claim 14, wherein, when a button, displayed, is selected by a userwhile an image is displayed in the first display region, generatingincludes generating the preview image corresponding to the imagedisplayed in the first display region.
 16. The control method accordingto claim 12, wherein the image data, which corresponds to at least oneimage selected by a user from among the plurality of preview imagesarranged in the second display region, further corresponds to the imagedisplayed in the first display region.
 17. The control method accordingto claim 12, wherein the image data, which corresponds to at least oneimage selected by a user from among the plurality of preview imagesarranged in the second display region, further corresponds to the atleast one image arranged in the second display region.
 18. The controlmethod according to claim 12, further comprising selecting all of theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 19. The control methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising deselecting all of imagesselected by the user from among the plurality of preview images arrangedin the second display region in accordance with an instruction of auser.
 20. The control method according to claim 12, further comprisingperforming selection and deselection of each image from among theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 21. The control methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising externally receiving imagedata corresponding to an image to be displayed in the first displayregion, in accordance with an operation of a user.
 22. The controlmethod according to claim 12, wherein an image, which is selected by auser from among the plurality of images displayed in the first displayregion, is a printable image which is allowed to be printed, and animage, which is not selected by a user from among the plurality ofimages displayed in the first display region, is a non-printable imagewhich is not allowed to be printed.
 23. A display system comprising: adisplay unit configured to display a screen including a first displayregion in which a plurality of images are displayed one by one and asecond display region in which a plurality of preview images, of aplurality of images selected by a user from among the plurality ofimages which have been displayed in the first display region, arearranged; and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to a printingapparatus, image data corresponding to at least one image selected by auser from among the plurality of preview images arranged in the seconddisplay region.
 24. The display system according to claim 23, wherein atleast one of the plurality of preview images displayed in the seconddisplay region corresponds to one of the plurality of images which wasdisplayed in the first display region and is not presently displayed inthe first display region.
 25. The display system according to claim 23,further comprising a generation unit configured to generate a previewimage to be displayed in the second display region based on the imagedisplayed in the first display region.
 26. The display system accordingto claim 25, wherein, when a button, displayed by the display unit, isselected by a user while an image is displayed in the first displayregion, the generation unit is configured to generate the preview imagecorresponding to the image displayed in the first display region. 27.The display system according to claim 23, wherein the image data, whichcorresponds to at least one image selected by a user from among theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region,further corresponds to the image displayed in the first display region.28. The display system according to claim 23, wherein the image data,which corresponds to at least one image selected by a user from amongthe plurality of preview images arranged in the second display region,further corresponds to the at least one image arranged in the seconddisplay region.
 29. The display system according to claim 23, furthercomprising an all-selection unit configured to select all of theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 30. The display systemaccording to claim 23, further comprising an all-deselection unitconfigured to deselect all of images selected by the user from among theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 31. The display systemaccording to claim 23, further comprising a selection-deselection unitconfigured to perform selection and deselection of each image from amongthe plurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 32. The display systemaccording to claim 23, further comprising a reception unit configured toexternally receive image data corresponding to an image to be displayedin the first display region, in accordance with an operation of a user.33. The display system according to claim 23, wherein an image, which isselected by a user from among the plurality of images displayed in thefirst display region, is a printable image which is allowed to beprinted, and an image, which is not selected by a user from among theplurality of images displayed in the first display region, is anon-printable image which is not allowed to be printed.
 34. A controlmethod comprising: displaying a screen including a first display regionin which a plurality of images are displayed one by one and a seconddisplay region in which a plurality of preview images, of a plurality ofimages selected by a user from among the plurality of images which havebeen displayed in the first display region, are arranged; andtransmitting, to a printing apparatus, image data corresponding to atleast one image selected by a user from among the plurality of previewimages arranged in the second display region.
 35. The control methodaccording to claim 34, wherein at least one of the plurality of previewimages displayed in the second display region corresponds to one of theplurality of images which was displayed in the first display region andis not presently displayed in the first display region.
 36. The controlmethod according to claim 34, further comprising generating a previewimage to be displayed in the second display region based on the imagedisplayed in the first display region.
 37. The control method accordingto claim 36, wherein, when a button, displayed, is selected by a userwhile an image is displayed in the first display region, generatingincludes generating the preview image corresponding to the imagedisplayed in the first display region.
 38. The control method accordingto claim 34, wherein the image data, which corresponds to at least oneimage selected by a user from among the plurality of preview imagesarranged in the second display region, further corresponds to the imagedisplayed in the first display region.
 39. The control method accordingto claim 34, wherein the image data, which corresponds to at least oneimage selected by a user from among the plurality of preview imagesarranged in the second display region, further corresponds to the atleast one image arranged in the second display region.
 40. The controlmethod according to claim 34, further comprising selecting all of theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 41. The control methodaccording to claim 34, further comprising deselecting all of imagesselected by the user from among the plurality of preview images arrangedin the second display region in accordance with an instruction of auser.
 42. The control method according to claim 34, further comprisingperforming selection and deselection of each image from among theplurality of preview images arranged in the second display region inaccordance with an instruction of a user.
 43. The control methodaccording to claim 34, further comprising externally receiving imagedata corresponding to an image to be displayed in the first displayregion, in accordance with an operation of a user.
 44. The controlmethod according to claim 34, wherein an image, which is selected by auser from among the plurality of images displayed in the first displayregion, is a printable image which is allowed to be printed, and animage, which is not selected by a user from among the plurality ofimages displayed in the first display region, is a non-printable imagewhich is not allowed to be printed.